Syriac Union Party Co-Chair Sanharib Barsom calls for inclusive governance and federal model in Syria’s transitional phase

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — In comments to our newsdesk, Co-Chair of the Syriac Union Party (SUP) Sanharib Barsom criticized the recently formed government in Daramsuq (Damascus) under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), asserting that it represents only HTS and fails to reflect the diversity of Syria’s population. Barsom emphasized the need for a government that includes all political parties and Syrian communities, a critical step toward achieving stability and building a future Syria that represents all its citizens.

The HTS-backed government has been granted a three-month mandate to manage ministries and institutional work in Syria. Barsom argued that national unity and stability could only be achieved through inclusivity in this pivotal transitional phase. He stressed the importance of drafting a new constitution and preparing for general elections.

Barsom also highlighted that the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) has agreed to raise the independence flag across all its institutions, signaling its willingness to engage in dialogue with the transitional government. He noted SUP’s support for adopting this flag if it is recognized by all Syrians under a new constitution.

Acknowledging Syria’s transitional challenges, Barsoum urged the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people to work alongside other political representatives to secure constitutional rights and fair representation within national institutions. He also called for serious dialogue with the transitional government and all Syrian factions to ensure inclusivity and safeguard the rights of all groups, including Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldean) and other minorities.

In an interview with Rudaw, Barsom acknowledged that Christians in Syria initially faced significant fears with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. While concerns remain within the Christian community, he noted HTS has thus far maintained an acceptable stance toward all Syrian components, including Christians. Barsom expressed a desire to strengthen Christian influence during this transitional phase, while pointing out that direct engagement with HTS has not yet occurred, though efforts are underway to address the Syriac (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldean) people’s demands, including cultural and linguistic recognition.

Barsom also criticized the marginalization of Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldean) under previous regimes, calling for national and religious rights to be cornerstones of the upcoming constitution. He proposed a decentralized, pluralistic, federal model as the most suitable framework for preserving Syria’s unity while respecting regional diversity. Representatives of the Syriac (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldean) community are set to join a delegation from DAARNES to hold discussions with the transitional government.

Barsom concluded by emphasizing the need to unify Syria’s security and military forces under a central authority as part of any future political resolution. He called for a democratic, pluralistic system that guarantees the rights of all communities, ensuring fair representation for all Syrian components in shaping the nation’s future.